Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board tightens emergency safety‑intervention rules, adds training requirement and clarifies notification timing
Summary
The board adopted amendments to R277‑608 (emergency safety interventions, ESI), clarifying prohibited uses (coercion/retaliation/humiliation/staff convenience), requiring comprehensive, research‑based ESI training for key staff, and changing parent notice language to require attempted notification within 15 minutes after an ESI ends.
The State Board adopted substantive amendments to R277‑608, the rule governing emergency safety interventions (ESI) and the prohibition on corporal punishment. The board voted to amend the draft and then approved the rule as amended.
Major changes the board approved included: - Prohibitions: The board clarified that ESI may not be used for coercion, retaliation, humiliation, staff convenience or because of inadequate staffing. A motion to place those prohibitions in the text passed unanimously (Member Longacre recused/absent noted) during the discussion. - Training: The board added a requirement that key identified school employees receive comprehensive ESI training that is research‑ and evidence‑based, in addition to foundational behavior support training. That amendment passed (12 in favor, 2 opposed). - Parent notification: The rule was amended to change the notice requirement so that the school or employee “shall attempt to provide notification” immediately and no later than 15 minutes after the ESI has ended; board counsel and staff confirmed the change aligns with code and makes the requirement achievable in practice when contacting parents is difficult.
Clarifications and definitions: Staff and counsel explained the rule’s use of “immediate danger” is intended to be read consistent with prior language about a significant or imminent threat. The record shows staff interpreted “attempt to notify” to mean making reasonable efforts by phone, text or email; AAG Beal agreed the change comports with code. Christian Lewis (student services coordinator) confirmed that attempts to notify could include phone, text and email and that the 15‑minute clock starts after the ESI has ended.
Why it matters: The amendments tighten prohibitions on why ESI may be used, add a training standard for staff who may use holds or physical interventions, and make the notification requirement practically achievable for schools. Board members said the changes aim to protect students while ensuring staff have training and clear guidance.
Vote and outcome: The board approved R277‑608 draft 3 as amended; the final recorded vote on the main motion was 11 in favor and 3 opposed (Members Boggess, Green and Longacre voted no; Member Hall absent). The board instructed staff to proceed with the amended rule for filing and implementation guidance.
